This page also features and available for sale US Navy Enlisted Enamelware Measures 2 Quart, 1 Quart, 1 Pint, 1/2 Pint and 1 Gill Cups, US Navy Officers 1/2 Gill China Liqueur or Rum Cup with 1905 Department of Navy seal, Antique 100+ Year Old Victorian Era and George V All Copper British Royal Navy 1 Pint Rum Cup, Wooden Water and Rum Mixing Casks Kegs, or Rum Tubs as they were known, and Royal Navy Iron Mess Pails or Rum Pails also known as a Rum Fanny.
Of note is also an original ca 1940s British Royal Navy Imperial Rum (BRNIR) porcelain or ceramic "Demijohn" jars (1 Imperial Gallon or 4.54 liters, 14" x 8") encased or covered in hand weaved or woven cane to protect it from breaking during transport and storage aboard ship and shore.
Click Here for More In Depth Analysis and Photo Historical Documentation of Rum and Grog Measures including Arsenal Marks and Royal Navy Stamps OR, continue reading on for information, price and availability found on this page.

Above left ca 1910 Photo Illustrates the various sizes of the Rum and Grog Cups or "Measures" as they were called along with the Rum-Grog Mixing and Dispensing Barrels and a Rum Fanny!

There are eight measures in a set: from 1 Gallon, 1/2 Gallon, 1 Quart, 1 Pint, 1/2 Pint, 1.5 Gill, 1 Gill and Half Gill. A Rum Bosun from each mess would come to collect the grog ration for his mess - each man entitled to 1 and 1/2 Gills of grog. A pint measure holds 8 x 1/2 Gills, and obviously a 1/2 Gill measure is a half Gill

If the Rum Bosun's mess contained 6 individuals that were entitled to 'draw the tot', then that is 6 x 1 and 1/2 Gills of grog, equalling 9 half Gills of grog. The Rum Bosun would then receive a 1 pint measure and 1/2 Gill measure which would be dipped into the 'grog tub' and then poured into his "rum fanny" to be brought back and served to his mess mates.

Above photos show a set of British Royal Navy Rum or Grog Measures (or Cups) - 1 Quart, 1 Pint and 2 1/2 Pint Measures.

The photos above show an authentic 1 Pint all copper Rum Cup (not for sale) that was used for measuring out a rum tot or grog ration into smaller 1/2 Gill rum cups. Note the government marks: broad arrow and royal crown above the initials VR and the number 6. The Broad Arrow denotes in-use British Government Property. The VR stands for Victoria Regia (Queen Victoria), which dates this piece between 1837-1901 during her reign.
The number 6 is a British Military Inspectors Stamp and denoting Birmingham manufacture.
Click Here for More In Depth Analysis and Photos of this Authentic 1 Pint 19th Century British Navy Rum or Grog Cup

Both Rum and water were mixed together in a large wooden barrel to make and prepare the daily ration of rum or grog. Most often the large wooden mixing barrel was engraved "God Bless The King". It was then measured out in progressively smaller containers: large metal mess cans or buckets, wooden rum casks, 1 pint cups, and finally into 1/2 Gill cups. The daily rum ration for each sailor was 1 and 1/2 Gill.

While it is Great Britain's British Royal Navy that was most famously associated with this great naval tradition many of the other world navies also participated in this time honored tradition, including the American Navy. A "Tot of Rum" or Daily Rum or Grog Ration was by contract part of each sailors recreation in most of the world's navies until the early 20th century.

Above is a large 1 quart copper measure with tinned inside which has a George V Cipher stamp which makes this rum cup ca early-mid 20th century.

Above is a closeup of the George V Cipher government stamp and stamped "quart" using modern day 20th century text font and pitch. The George V cipher is as follows: the Royal Crown above a Heraldic Shield. The the left and right of the Shield are the letters "G" and "R" representing George Rex and in between them is the barely recognizable roman numeral "V". Below the Shield is the number "17" most likely representing the place/city of manufacture.

Note the rivets holding the squarish handle of the cup onto the body. We have never seen authentic grog or rum measures ever not use rivets. Many reproductions just use soldering with round handles. Additionally, the squarish made handle of all rum or grog measuring cups from the largest 1 quart to the smallest 1/2 Gill always used handles which were made of folded over copper sheets with the seam being seen on the inside. We have never seen just plain round handles.

Above is a smaller 1/2 Pint copper measure with tinned inside which has a Queen Victoria Cipher and Government Arrow Stamp which makes the provenance of this grog measure, like the above 1 Pint measure, between 1837-1901.

Note the Victorian cipher above (like the 1 Pint measure previously illustrated) has an encircled crown over the letters VR for Victoria Regia and the numeral 6 indicating that it was produced in Birmingham, England. The cipher also has a "G" below which we believe to stand for Government. Also note the 19th century text font and pitch being used indicating the size of the measure, "1/2 Pt". The stamp is a clearly marked Arrow indicating it is British Government property and in service.

Again note the rivets attaching the handle to the base of the cup and the thick handle itself of a folded over copper strip.

Above is a second 1/2 Pint Copper Measure but the provenance is currently unknown since the cipher and markings have been rubbed off over time. The only markings remaining is a numeral "2" about .75" below the rim on the outside front of the cup which is even too indistinct for a photo.

This cup is almost exactly like the above Victorian 1/2 Pint and the handle is a bit dented from age and use. This particular grog measure is available for sale, $395.

The above photos show the smallest rum measure or rum cup, 1/2 Gill!

Above photo shows both the exterior and interior of a rum fanny or mess bucket used by the British Royal Navy from the late 19th thru early 20th century, pre-1907 when the Royal Navy still had individualized messes rather than the general centralized galley or general mess.

The Navy Mess No badge is semi blackened on one and in original clear brass on the other. From period photographs it appears that the exterior of the rum fanny was not necessarilly painted black but left unpainted in the original iron. However at some time the regulations must have changed authorizing the "black japanning" of the exterior for protection while leaving the inside bare metal. Also of note is that the manufacturer of the the rum fanny or mess bucket was substantial and held together with stout rivets, just like the copper measures! These buckets like the cups were made to last.

Both pails are clearly marked on the side medallion "Sellman & Hill, Ltd, Royal Navy No___ Mess, Wolverhampton". On the lid there is another medallion or tag simply "No______ Mess".

Note the British sailors standing in line to get their fannies filled! (weg) They are carrying these very same type of mess pails or "rum fannies" illustrated in the photo above while standing in the rum line waiting for their grog! Also note the boatswains mate measuring out the grog at the mixing barrel, he appears to be holding a 1 gallon and 1 quart copper measure! The HMS Renown, 1906.

Note the Grog or Rum Pail or rum fanny in Main Photo above and in Cropped Insert along with the 2 quart or 1 quart measure. Royal Navy Channel Fleet 1907

Above left is a ca 1940s BRNIR (British Royal Navy Imperial Rum) demijohn ceramic jar encased in weaved cane which held pure british royal navy rum prior to mixing it into grog.

Above right is an authentic all copper Royal Navy rum pump or spirit pump used in the drawing room to draw out the pure rum from the breakers or demijohns into the mixing tubs.

In the above photo to the left note the all-copper pitcher-shaped measures which were also used in the traditional mixing, measuring and dispensing of the "grog"! And the photo on the right illustrates on of these all copper Navy Grog pitchers, note the round lead badge on the inside rim.

These all copper measure pitchers were tinned on the inside just like their cousins, the measuring cup! Additionally each of these pitchers had a lead stamp just on the inside rim showing the government inspection mark and royal cipher which "proofed" the pitcher to meet volume specifications.

Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy 1 Imperial Gallon Rum Cup or Grog CupCipher clearly stamped along with a 6 below the crown and arsenal marked with a 1 over 53 indicating place of manufacture, and the part number 53169 stamped on the bottom, front of cup is simply stamped "GALLON".

Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy 1/2 Imperial Gallon Rum Cup or Grog CupCipher indeciperable due to solder, clearly arsenal marked with a K over 52 indicating place of manufacture, and the part number 53170 stamped on the bottom, front of cup is simply stamped "1/2 GALLON".

Dated 1917 WWI British Royal Navy King George Era 1 Quart Rum Cup or Grog Measure, #16Early 20th Century 1917 WWI Construction and Use in the King George V era 1 Quart British Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Rum, Grog or Copper Measure as the British Call It, early 20th Century Contruction - Front Clearly Marked 1 QUART with a Royal Crown over GR above the number 17. This Signifies it was Produced in the Reign of King George V in 1917! Riveted Handle, Inside Tinned Some remaining.

Very early-mid 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1 Quart Rum Cup or Grog Measure, #15This 1 Quart Grog Copper Measure is very early-mid 19th century and manufactured to Royal Navy specifications and is tinned on the inside. Over the Years the Weights and Measures Along with the Royal Victorian Cipher Have Been Largely Polished Off Over Time. There has been a repair to this measure along the rear seam where the handle is secured onto the cup. Very RARE Two part handcrafted cup construction ensures early manufacture clearly showing side and bottom seams which were hammer welded!

mid 19th Century 1850s-1890s British Royal Navy Queen Victorian Era 1 Quart Rum Cup or Grog Measure, #14RARE Size and Provenance! Mid 19th Century Queen Victoria's Reign 1 Quart British Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Rum, Grog or Copper Measure as the British Call It. Mid 19th Century Contruction - Front Clearly Marked 1 QT in Old Style Abbreviated Italics, a Broad Arrow Indicating Government Property, with a Royal Cipher of a Crown over VR above the number 6 in a Square, with the Number 17 below it. There is also the letter F below the Stamp and Currently of Unknown Significance. Riveted Handle, No Inside Tinning Remaining.

Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian 1 Quart Rum Cup or Grog MeasureThis 1 Quart Grog Measure is properly stamped "Crown over VR6, Broad Arrow, Qt" and manufactured to Royal Navy specifications and is tinned on the inside.

19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian era 1 Pint Rum Cup or Grog MeasureClearly stamped with Royal Navy Broad Arrow proofing it as Government Property and in service and Crown over VR6 indicating it was made during Queen Victoria's reign, 1837-1901 and proofed by Inspector #6 in Birmingham, England.

19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Pint Rum Measure or Grog CupClearly stamped with 1/2 Pt and the Royal Navy Broad Arrow proofing it for service with a Crown over VR6 indicating it was made during Queen Victoria's reign, 1837-1901 and proofed by Inspector #6

Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #04Partially Stamped with the numeral 2 just below the rim, possible remnants of the Royal Navy Broad Arrow proofing it for government property and service. It is possible that the numeral 2 was the bottom part of 1/2 for half pint, or the bottom half of the now missing crown cipher indicating that it was made at location 2. Tinned on the inside, handle has been dented over time but rivets are in perfect condtion.

Authentic 20th Century British Royal Navy Georgian GRV Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #1Clearly Stamped along the rim with the Royal Cipher (crown over GR), Arsenal Marked (L over 51), and bottom stamped post-production with an inventory (53173). Excellent detail and in RARE Museum Quality Usable Condition with the INSIDE TINNING INTACT!

Authentic mid 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #11For Sale and Available - RARE MUSEUM QUALITY USABLE CONDITION! Clearly Marked Half Pint Rum Cup or Grog Measure - Authentic Mid 19th 1850s-1890s Century Queen Victoria Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Grog Measure as the British Call It.
Clear and Visible 1/2 Pt in the Italicized Abbreviated Format. A Royal Cipher "Crown over VR above the numeral 6" signifying the Royal Reign and Cipher of Victoria Regina with the "6" identifying the Birmingham Weights and Measures Office that did the Inspection. There is also a Broad Arrow below the Cipher Signifying British Government Property.

Authentic Dated July 1915 WWI British Royal Navy King George V Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #10Authentic Date Coded WWI July 1915 King George V Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Grog Measure as the British Call It. Handle Has Been Field Bent and Flattened to For Ease of Use!!
Clear and Visible 1/2 Pt in the Block Text Format. A Royal Cipher "Crown over GR above the numeral 6" signifying the Royal Reign and Cipher of Geroge Rex with the "6" identifying the Birmingham Weights and Measures Office that did the Inspection. Next to the Cipher is the Date Code, a G above the Numeral 15 Signifying a Production Date of July 1915.

Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Pint Rum Cup or Grog Cup #13Authentic Mid to late 19th 1850s-1890s Century Queen Victoria Royal Navy Rum Cup or Navy Grog Measure as the British Call It. Polishing has Removed All of the Measure Markings However a Remnant of the Cipher is left Appearing to be a number "2" above ? and a letter "C". Manufactured in the Royal Navy Regulations. Handle Has Been Field Bent and Flattened to For Ease of Use!!

Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Gill Rum Cup or Grog MeasureThis 1/2 Gill Grog Measure is period 19th or early 20th century manufactured to Royal Navy specifications and is tinned on the inside with Broad Arrow Stamp indicating Government In Service Property and the Remnants of "1/2 Gill" Stamp

Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 Gill Rum Cup or Grog MeasureThis 1/2 gill Grog Measure is manufactured to Royal Navy specifications, tinned on the inside, handles riveted to the body, Queen Victoria Royal Cipher marked with a "Crown over VR6", a "Broad Arrow" stamp indicating Government In Service Property, the letter "D" stamped near the cipher, and stamped "1/2 gill".

Authentic 19th Century British Royal Navy Victorian Era 1/2 or Half Pint Lipped Measure, Rum Cup or Grog MeasureVictorian Era Marked Half Pint Copper Lipped Measure used by the British Royal Navy to Measure and Dispense the Rum and Grog to the Enlisted Sailors in the Time Honored Tradition. Marked with Queen Victoria Cipher "Crown over VR6" Indicating Use From the Mid to late 19th Century (1837-1900). Also has the Broad Arrow or "Crows Foot" Stamp Indicating Government Property In Service. All Copper, Riveted Handle, Inside Tinned.

Authentic 19th C British Royal Navy 1/2 or Half Pint Lipped Measure, Rum or Grog CupMarked 1/2 Pint Copper Lipped Measure used by the British Royal Navy to Measure and Dispense the Rum and Grog to the Enlisted Sailors in the Time Honored Tradition. Has the Lead Weight & Measure Stamp on the edge of the lip. Also has the Broad Arrow or "Crows Foot" Stamp Indicating Government Property In Service. All Copper, Riveted Handle, Inside Tinned.

Queen Victoria Cipher Stamped (VR) 19th C British Royal Navy 1/2 or One Half Pint Lipped Copper Measure, Rum or Grog Cupeautifully Polished! Marked "1/2 PINT" Copper Lipped Measure used by the British Royal Navy to Measure and Dispense the Rum and Grog to the Enlisted Sailors in the Time Honored Tradition. Has the Lead Weight & Measure Stamp on the edge of the lip marked "VR" for Queen Victoria's Royal Cipher along with an "F". Also has the Broad Arrow or "Crows Foot" Stamp Indicating Government Property In Service. Has an in-service soldered flat bottom, most likely put on for added weight and stability on rolling decks. All Copper, Riveted Handle, Inside Tinned.

RARE!! Authentic 20th C British Royal Navy Pint Copper Funnel Marked w/ Inventory Numbeer 52488.British Royal Navy Marked Polished One Pint Copper Funnel w/ Stamped Inventory Control Number 52488, Used in Dispensing the Raw Rum and Mixed Grog to the Enlisted Sailors in the Time Honored Tradition. Tinned Interior is 100% there, and Still Retains the Clip for Hanging! One Pint Funnel #02

British Royal Navy Large Mess Pail or Mess Bucket, Late 1800's to Early 1900's (see photo at top of page)Used to collect food, drinks, or rum ration from the galley for each mess aboard ship, 13w" x 10d" x 12h".

British Royal Navy Large Mess Pail, Mess Bucket or "Rum Fanny" from Late 1800's to Early 1900's (see photo at top of page)Used to collect food, drinks or rog and rum ration from the galley for each mess aboard ship, 13w" x 10d" x 12h".

British Royal Navy Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Encased in Protective Wicker. #1Museum Quality Condition. Handcrafted. These wicker-protected porcelain or ceramic demijohns were used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s.
This particular demijohn is ca WWII and later since the wicker strips used during this period is a bit thinner than that found on early demijohns. The rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.

British Royal Navy Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Encased in Protective Wicker. #2Museum Quality Condition. Handcrafted. These wicker-protected porcelain or ceramic demijohns were used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s.
This particular demijohn is ca WWII and later since the wicker strips used during this period is a bit thinner than that found on early demijohns. The rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.

British Royal Navy Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Encased in Protective Wicker with Red Mark. #3Museum Quality Condition. Handcrafted. These wicker-protected porcelain or ceramic demijohns were used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s.
This particular demijohn is ca WWII and later since the wicker strips used during this period is a bit thinner than that found on early demijohns. The rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.

British Royal Army Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Without the Wicker and Showing the Stencil Initials SRD (Supply Reserve Depot). #4Excellent Quality Condition, found in a Brocante near Dunkerque. Handcrafted. This porcelain or ceramic demijohn was used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s.
This particular demijohn is ca WWI to WWII (1900s-1960s). The rum was mixed with water and sometimes lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.

British Royal Navy Imperial Rum Large Porcelain Rum Demijohn Encased in Protective Wicker with Red Mark. #4Museum Quality Condition. Handcrafted. These wicker-protected porcelain or ceramic demijohns were used store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1960s.
This particular demijohn is ca WWI to WWII (1900s-1940s) since the wicker strips used during this period are a bit wider than that found on later demijohns ca 1940s-1960s. The rum was mixed with water to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.

British Royal Navy Imperial Rum or Spirit Porcelain Demijon Without Wicker. #5Excellent Quality Condition. This porcelain or ceramic demijon was used to store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1970s.
This particular demijon has a rare manufacturers imprint stamped into the porcelain: "Pearson & Co Chesterfield" a major manufacturer of pottery in the UK. The spirit or rum was mixed with water and lime juice to create what is known as "Navy Grog" and served daily to the enlisted ratings.

13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity.This jar can be easily cleaned out to be put back into service, and then have raw rum poured back in with a new cork for storing and to simulate the tradition from days of old and a bygone era!

$295.

Call To Order 540 659 6209

British Royal Navy Imperial Rum or Spirit Porcelain Demijon W/ Wicker Remnants. #6RARE! Excellent Condition. This porcelain or ceramic demijon was used to store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1970s. This particular demijon has the lower part of the wicker missing while the upper half is tight and secure, allowing the collector to examine the porcelain jar. Also, there was still some rum left in this demijohn when it arrived here at The Pirates Lair and the scent of alcohol was strong!

13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity.This jar can be easily cleaned out to be put back into service, and then have raw rum poured back in with a new cork for storing and to simulate the tradition from days of old and a bygone era!

$275.

Call To Order 540 659 6209

British Royal Navy Imperial Rum or Spirit Porcelain Jar or Demijohn W/ Old Style Wicker. #7RARE! Still has Remnants of the Wax Seal on the Opening!!! Excellent Condition, Wicker is Nice and Tight. This porcelain or ceramic demijon was used to store British Royal Navy Rum (108.6-proof) from the very early 1900s thru the 1970s.

13-1/2" high X 8.5" wide, 1 Imperial Gallon, or 4.54 Liter Capacity. This jar can be easily cleaned out to be put back into service, and then have raw rum poured back in with a new cork for storing and to simulate the tradition from days of old and a bygone era!

Used by Senior Officer's or in the Captains Cabin or Admirals MessUsed after dinner to sip Naval Rum or Liqueurs over cigars. Officers version of the enlisted seamans Navy Rum Tot or Navy Rum Cup or Shot Glass!

AS SEEN ON HBO'S PACIFIC! Used by US Navy Cooks for Food Preparation - 1 Gallon, 1 Quart, 1 Pint, 1/2 Pint, and 1 Gill used for measuring Navy Rum Ration. These Measures are derived from the British Royal Navy lineage and heritage of the US Navy.

$289.

Call To Order540 659 6209

Antique Wooden Water, Rum or Grog Casks KegsVarying Patina from Very Light to Very Dark Oak Bodies. Unmarked. Some dual handle and single handle all with 6 Galvanized Metal Bands and Feet, Brass Cock on Side and Filler on Top

The Pirate's Lair only offers authentic naval artifacts, many backed up with photographic evidence to the provenance of each piece!

Note the photo to the left of British Royal Navy sailors standing in the rum line aboard an HMS vessel during the Boer War in 1908, and the two kegs at the front of the line. The smaller wooden keg has written on its side the word "GROG".

The photo to the right illustrates the exact same type of wooden water cask or grog keg as shown in the photo to the left.

NOTE!!! The below "rum cups" are for display purposes only as THEY ARE REPRODUCTIONS of small 1/2 Gill Rum Cups. Examples are shown below which include British Royal Navy, Imperial Russian Navy, Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial Germany) and European Navies. While these are good reproductions, that's all that they are. So beware! If you see rum cups advertised on the web that look similar to or exactly like the ones shown below they are FAKE

REPRODUCTION RUM CUP #1 - This is a French Naval 2.5oz rum cup made of an outside copper cladding and another base metal possibly brass or a silver lining. The cup itself is fitted onto a "foot". Both the foot and the handles are soldered onto the cup.

The insignia is a soldered medallion which shows the French Royal Crown atop a fouled anchor. It has been our experience that true rum cups did not have a soldered medallion, but any cyphers of provenance were stamped.

REPRODUCTION RUM CUP #2 - This 2.5oz Naval rum cup is made of a copper coating on a brass base metal. The insignia is also a soldered medallion appearing to be of a Christian crown which includes two crosses; 1 found on a shield of sorts within the body of the crown and another cross sitting upright on top. Below the crown there is also capital letter "M" beneath it. The M typically denotes Marine (as in Kriegs Marine) or Navy for the Germanic countries such as Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, and Austro-Hungary.

Research Update: Through research we believe that the crown displayed on this rum cup was the heraldic device for the newly established German Empire used by the German Kaisers from 1871 Kaiser Wilhelm's abdication in 1918. The German Empire's Navy was called the "Kaiserliche Marine" or German Imperial Navy. There are many late 19th century and early 20th century Imperial German Navy artifacts (including dinnerware) which use the capital letter M to indicate that the artifact was made and used by the Navy. Originally found in Australia as part of a Naval Collection.

For more information on the Deutsche Kriegsmarine, Reichsmarine and Kaiserliche Marine (or German Navy) naval artifacts, Militaria and Antique Dinnerware that are for sale and available Click HERE.

REPRODUCTION RUM CUP #3 - This 2oz Naval rum cup is made of a brass base metal with the cup appearing to have been turned on a lathe (as opposed to being stamped and soldered). The insignia is also a soldered medallion of a Double Headed Eagle with what appears to be a crown and cross on each of the two heads.

It is possibly "Germanic" or certainly of Eastern European provenance due to the double headed eagle used in the 18th-20th centuries as a Coat of Arms.

Research UpdateIt is quite possible that this Naval Rum Cup was pre-revolutionary Imperial Russia (Russian Empire) in origin since the Russian Empire's Coat of Arms consisted of a double headed eagle with each head adorned with a christian crown.

The two heads represented the dual secular and religious sovereignty of the Emperor. The double headed eagle Russian Coat of Arms was used from the early 16th century to the late 19th century. As such the provenance of this rum cup appears to be from the Russian Empire ca late 1700's to late 1800's.

For more information on Russian Navy and Soviet Union Navy Artifacts, Militaria and Antique Dinnerware that are for sale and available Click HERE.

REPRODUCTION RUM CUP #4 - This half Gill (2oz) Naval rum cup is made of a copper coating with a base metal of brass and the traditional British loop handle. There is no insignia or attached medallion, however the bottom indicates the British Royal Crown, Anchor and initials RN standing for the Royal Navy.

This copper rum cup of half Gill ration may have been used by both officer and enlisted crewmen alike, however we think that Rum Cup #1 was possibly made and used by Officer's due to the British Crown insiginia soldered onto the side.

Note the measurement of 1/2 Gill inscribed onto the side of the rum cup which was the standard daily apportioned amount of rum prescribed to each sailor in the British Royal Navy. A half Gill is the equivalent of about 2oz. The half Gill of rum became the standard ration for most of the world's navies when issuing rum was the custom!

From Wikipeadia: "Colonial Australia: Rum became an important trade good in the early period of the colony of New South Wales. The value of rum was based upon the lack of coinage among the population of the colony, and due to the drink's ability to allow its consumer to temporarily forget about the lack of creature comforts available in the new colony. The value of rum was such that convict settlers could be induced to work the lands owned by officers of the New South Wales Corps.

Due to rum's popularity among the settlers, the colony gained a reputation for drunkenness even though their alcohol consumption was less than levels commonly consumed in England at the time.

When William Bligh became governor of the colony in 1806, he attempted to remedy the perceived problem with drunkenness by outlawing the use of rum as a medium of exchange. In response to this action, and several others, the New South Wales Corps marched, with fixed bayonets, to Government House and placed Bligh under arrest. The mutineers continued to control the colony until the arrival of Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1810."

ROYAL NAVY GROG What is Grog?

Navy Grog is essentially a diluted rum mixture, with two parts water and one part Rum. The word "grog" was derived from the nickname for Admiral Vernon who was nicknamed "Old Grogram" (grog, rum - get it?!) based on the waterproof grogram cloak he wore on ships.

He first ordered this rum dilution process that yielded grog to be carried out in 1740 because of the rowdiness and lack of judgement experienced by some of his common sailors. This command was called "Vernon's Orders" and it also encouraged the addition of sugar and limes to the grog mixture.

The method of issue and the mixture of the Rum Ration changed over the years. Prior to 1740, rum was issued to the men neat or in "drams" - without water. Admiral Vernon, the hero of Portobello and the Commander-in-Chief, West Indies changed all this by his issuance of his infamous Order to Captains No. 349 on August 21, 1740.

His order refers to the "unanimous opinion of both Captains and Surgeons that the pernicious custom of the seaman drinking their allowance of rum in drams, and often at once, is attended with many fatal effects to their morals as well as their health ... besides the ill consequences of stupifying [sic] their rational qualities ... You are hereby required and directed ... that the respective daily allowance ... be every day mixed with the proportion of a quart of water to a half pint of rum, to be mixed in a scuttled but kept for that purpose, and to be done upon the deck, and in the presence of the Lieut. of the Watch, who is to take particular care to see that the men are not defrauded in having their full allowance of rum...
and let those that are good husbanders receive extra lime juice and sugar that it be made more palatable to them."

Below are links to other Antique Nautical and Naval Artifacts which you may be interested in.

Why just get a shadow box or a newly made trunk with no history! One of our 100+ Year Old Nautical Antique Trunks can be used for both a Shadow Box and Storage Chest for your Uniforms, Photograph Albums, and Memorabilia!

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